WO2011027350A2

WO2011027350A2 - Air cooled absorption cooling system operable by low grade heat

Info

Publication number: WO2011027350A2
Application number: PCT/IL2010/000734
Authority: WO
Inventors: Avi Levy; Michael Jelinek; Irene Borde
Original assignee: Ben-Gurion University Of The Negev Research And Development Authority
Priority date: 2009-09-06
Filing date: 2010-09-06
Publication date: 2011-03-10
Also published as: EP2499442A2; US20120266618A1; WO2011027350A3; US9134056B2

Abstract

An air-cooled absorption refrigerating system and method is provided An evaporated refrigerant is mixed with a weak refrigerant stream Portions of the evaporated refrigerant are absorbed into the weak refrigerant stream via air-cooled absorber means to form a reconstituted solution which is pumped into heater means in heat exchange relationship with a hot weak refrigerant The hot weak refrigerant stream is conducted therefrom Refrigerant is evaporated from the reconstituted solution via generator means in heat exchange relationship with a heat transfer fluid The generator means stream is separated into a hot weak refrigerant stream and a main refrigerant vapor stream The main refrigerant vapor stream is condensed via air-cooled condenser means The pressure of a condensed refrigerant vapor stream is reduced and conducted into evaporator means, where it is evaporated to form an evaporated refrigerant stream and conducted therefrom

Description

AIR COOLED ABSORPTION COOLING SYSTEM OPERABLE BY LOW GRADE

HEAT

Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to absorption cooling systems. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and system for air cooled TPL (triple pressure level) absorption cooling that can be operated by low grade heat.

Background of the Invention

The present invention provides an absorption cooling system that can be operated utilizing relatively low grade heat sources e.g., solar energy, low-grade steam source, and industrial processes exhaust heat.

Typical absorption cooling systems utilize a heat source to vaporize under pressure a refrigerant material from a rich solution (generator/desorber) . The pressurized desorbed refrigerant is then condensed by rejecting heat from it to the ambient surrounding, and it is then used for cooling by evaporating it under lower pressure conditions, whereby ambient heat is absorbed from the refrigerated space. The evaporated refrigerant is then absorbed back into the weak solution (absorber) to provide a reconstituted (rich) solution as the process is continuously repeated.

US 4,171,619 describers a refrigeration system wherein heat from a solar energy source heats a refrigerant and absorbent solution in a generator to provide a refrigerant vapor to condensing and evaporating means, and wherein a compressor is used to compress vapor passing from the evaporator to the absorber, or between the evaporator and the condenser, and a pump is used for pressurizing the reconstituted solution obtained from the absorber. In this refrigeration system however a cooling tower is required for providing cooling water to the absorber and condenser.

WO 2007/110854 describes a vehicle air conditioning system utilizing an absorption compressor designed to work in parallel with a conventional mechanical compressor, wherein heat energy from the vehicle exhaust gas is used by the air conditioning system as a heat source. The absorption cycle in this international application is very simple providing compression cycle mode or simple absorption sub cycle functioning in place of the compressor, while the rest part of the refrigerant sub cycle remain the same. In addition, nor the absorption system or the compression cycle in this air conditioning system is used for heating the vehicle.

The methods described above- have not yet provided satisfactory air cooled absorption cooling systems operated by low grade heat.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide systems and methods for absorption cooling that can be efficiently operated employing air as a cooling medium.

It is another object of the present invention to provide systems and methods for absorption cooling that can be efficiently operated utilizing low grade heat sources.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.

Summary of the Invention

A broad aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to providing air-cooled absorption refrigeration systems which generation process is capable of being operated by means of alternative or renewable heat sources (e.g., solar energy, industrial processes exhaust heat, or the like) at relatively low temperatures (e.g., up to 130°C) for cooling and refrigeration by means of single-stage triple pressure level (TPL) absorption. Elements of the absorption systems of the present invention are preferably cooled by ambient air streams, and the system may be divided into high-pressure, intermediate-pressure and low-pressure, regimes.

The TPL absorption cycle preferably comprises refrigerant and solution sub-cycles, wherein the low-pressure regime resides in the refrigerant sub-cycle, the intermediate- pressure regime resides in the solution sub-cycle, and the high-pressure regime partly resides in both sub-cycles. Separator means may be employed in the solution sub-cycle for separating evaporated refrigerant obtained in the generation process and for introducing the separated refrigerant into the refrigerant sub-cycle.

In some embodiments of . the invention low-pressure refrigerant from the refrigerant sub-cycle is introduced into the solution sub-cycle by means of a mixing device, such as for example a mixer ejector, preferably by a type of jet ejector mixer, capable of producing a mixture of the low- pressure refrigerant with a stream of high-pressure weak solution introduced to it. Alternatively or additionally, a compressor may used to compress the low-pressure refrigerant before mixing it with the intermediate-pressure weak solution, and in such embodiments a simple mixer unit may be utilized for mixing the compressed refrigerant and the intermediate- pressure weak solution.

A broad aspect of some embodiments of the present invention relates to improving the refrigerant generation process by a heat exchange process in the high-pressure regime in which heat from the weak solution returned from the generation process is transferred to a stream of air-cooled rich solution pumped from the absorption process. Accordingly, in some exemplary embodiments of the invention a solution heat exchanger is utilized in the high-pressure regime for transferring heat from the weak solution returned from the generation process to an air-cooled stream of rich solution pumped thereinto from an absorption process, prior to it being subject to the generation process.

A broad aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to improving generation efficiency by means of separator means in the high-pressure sub-cycle for separating evaporated refrigerant from the rich solution streamed from the heat exchange process, and for introducing the separated refrigerant into the refrigerant sub-cycle. The residual rich solution, remaining after the evaporated refrigerant was separated, is preferably flown to the refrigerant generation process for evaporating more refrigerant from it.

A broad aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to improving generation efficiency by splitting the heat exchange process during which heat is transferred to the air-cooled rich solution pumped from the absorption process such that part of the heat exchange process in carried out in the high-pressure regime, and another part of the heat exchange process is carried out partly in the intermediate- pressure regime. In these preferred embodiments of the invention a first heat exchange stage (e.g., pre-absorber heat exchanger - pA) is employed for transferring heat from the mixture of refrigerant and weak solution obtained by the mixing device in the intermediate-pressure regime to the air- cooled high-pressure rich solution pumped from the absorbing process, and a second heat exchange stage (pre-generator heat exchanger - pG) is employed in the high-pressure regime for transferring heat from the weak solution returned from the generation process to the high-pressure rich solution streamed from the first heat exchange stage, prior to it being introduced to the generation process.

A broad aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to improving generation efficiency by means of separator means in the solution sub-cycle between the first and second heat exchange stages for separating evaporated refrigerant from the high-pressure rich solution streamed from the first heat exchange stage and for introducing the separated refrigerant into the refrigerant sub-cycle. The residual rich solution, remaining after the evaporated refrigerant was separated, is preferably flown to the second heat exchange stage for evaporating more refrigerant from it.

Accordingly, in some preferred embodiments of the invention the generation process may be split into three stages: i) evaporating refrigerant from the high pressure strong solution pumped from the air-cooled absorber means by means of first heat exchanger means in heat exchange relationship with the mixed stream from the mixer means, separating the evaporated refrigerant solution and merging it into a main evaporated refrigerant stream; ii) evaporating refrigerant from a residual stream of high pressure strong solution obtained from the separating by means of a second heat exchanger means in heat exchange relationship with hot stream of weak refrigerant solution, further separating the evaporated refrigerant solution and merging it into the main evaporated refrigerant stream; and iii) evaporating refrigerant from a residual stream of high pressure strong solution obtained form the further separating by means of third heat exchanger means in heat exchange relationship with a stream of heat transfer fluid or gas (e.g., supplied using a low grade heat source) , yet further separating the evaporated refrigerant solution and merging it into the main evaporated refrigerant stream and using the residual solution as the hot stream of weak refrigerant solution supplied to the second heat exchanger means.

A broad aspect of some embodiments of the present invention relates to improving the evaporation efficiency by means of a heat exchange process in the refrigerant sub-cycle in which a stream of condensed high-pressure refrigerant is cooled by a stream of low-pressure evaporated refrigerant obtained in the evaporation process.

The term rich solution used herein refers to a refrigerant solution having relatively high levels of absorbed refrigerant by the absorbent, and the term weak solution used herein refers to a refrigerant solution having relatively low- levels of absorbed refrigerant by the absorbent. The term pressure regime used herein refers to zones or sections in the refrigerant circuit (i.e., in the refrigerant and the solution sub-cycles) having pressure conditions which can be distinctively characterized relative to those in the other zones or sections.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention an air-cooled absorption refrigerating system is provided which comprises generator means in heat exchange relationship with a stream of heat transfer fluid or gas for generating a refrigerant vapor from a high-pressure rich refrigerant solution stream, separator means to separate said high-pressure refrigerant solution into a weak solution stream and a stream of said refrigerant vapor, air-cooled condenser means to form a condensed refrigerant stream from said stream of refrigerant vapor, cooler means in heat exchange relationship with a low- pressure evaporated refrigerant stream to form a cooled condensed refrigerant stream from said condensed refrigerant stream, an expansion valve to form a cooled low-pressure condensed refrigerant stream, and optionally a small amount of refrigerant vapor stream, from said cooled condensed refrigerant stream, evaporator means to form said low-pressure evaporated refrigerant stream from said cooled low-pressure condensed refrigerant stream and for cooling a surrounding material (e.g., indoor air in a refrigerated space), heater means in heat exchange relationship with said weak solution stream to form said high-pressure rich refrigerant solution stream, pressure reducer means to form an intermediate- pressure weak solution stream from a stream of weak solution obtained from said heat exchanging means, mixer means for producing a mixed stream comprising a mixture of said intermediate-pressure weak solution stream and said intermediate-pressure evaporated refrigerant stream, air- cooled absorber means for receiving said mixed stream and producing an air-cooled rich refrigerant solution, and pump means for producing said air-cooled high-pressure rich solution stream.

According to one aspect the present invention is directed to an air-cooled absorption refrigerating system comprising: generator means in heat exchange relationship with a stream of heat transfer fluid or gas (e.g., type of low grade heat source) , separator means adapted to separate a stream from the generator means into a weak refrigerant solution stream and a main refrigerant vapor stream, air-cooled condenser means to condense the main refrigerant vapor stream, an expansion valve to reduce the pressure of a condensed refrigerant stream from the air-cooled compressor means, evaporator means to form a stream of evaporated refrigerant from a stream from the expansion valve and to cool a surrounding material, a main heat exchanger means to exchange heat between the weak refrigerant solution stream and a high-pressure rich refrigerant solution stream, mixer means (e.g., jet ejector mixer) to produce a mixed stream from the stream of evaporated refrigerant from the evaporator means and from a stream of weak solution from the heat exchanger means, air-cooled absorber means to reconstitute the mixed stream, and pump means to produce the high-pressure rich refrigerant solution stream from a stream from the air-cooled absorber means.

Advantageously, the system may further comprise an additional heat exchanger means to exchange heat between the stream of condensed refrigerant from the air-cooled condenser means and the stream of evaporated refrigerant from the evaporator means, which the conducted therefrom to the mixer means for mixing with the weak solution.

The system may further comprise separator means to separate a stream of rich refrigerant solution from the main heat exchanger means into an additional refrigerant vapor stream, introduced into the main refrigerant vapor stream, and a residual solution, introduced into the generator means.

Preferably, the main heat exchanger means is split into first and second heat exchange stages: i) a first heat exchange stage to exchange heat between the weak refrigerant solution stream and a stream of high-pressure rich solution from the second heat exchange stage; and ii) a second heat exchange stage to exchange heat between a mixed stream from the mixer means and the high-pressure rich solution stream, wherein the air-cooled absorber means is adapted to reconstitute a mixed stream obtained from the second stage heat exchange means .

The system may further comprise separator means to separate the stream of rich refrigerant solution from the second stage heat exchange means into a further refrigerant vapor stream, introduced into the main refrigerant vapor stream, and a residual solution introduced into the first stage heat exchange means.

The system may further comprise pre-cooler means to cool the main refrigerant vapor stream provided to the air-cooled condenser means to a temperature near its saturation temperature .

The system may further comprise pressure reducer means adapted to reduce the pressure of the stream of weak refrigerant solution provided to the mixer device from the first heat exchange stage.

The system may further comprise main compressor means to compress a stream of evaporated refrigerant obtained from the additional heat exchanger means and introduce the same into the mixer means. Optionally, the system may comprise additional compressor means, or multistage compressor means, adapted to compress a stream of compressed refrigerant from the main compressor means and introduce the same into the air- cooled condenser means. Advantageously, the system may further comprise two three-way valves and ductwork adapted to change the system between two operating states: i) wherein a stream of compressed evaporator from the main compressor means is directed into the mixer means and the main stream of refrigerant vapor is directed into the air-cooled condenser means; and ii) wherein a stream of compressed vapor from the main compressor means is directed into the additional compressor means, a stream of compressed refrigerant from the additional compressor means is directed into the air-cooled condenser means, and the main stream of refrigerant vapor is precluded from reaching the air-cooled condenser means.

Optionally, the system may further comprise additional valves and conduits adapted to changes the mode of operation of the system between two states: a heating mode wherein the compressed refrigerant stream from · the additional compressor means, or multistage compressor means, is conducted into the evaporator means, a stream of evaporated refrigerant from the evaporator means is conducted into a first inlet of the additional heat exchange means, a stream of condensed refrigerant from the air-cooled condenser means is conducted into a second inlet of the additional heat exchange means which is then conducted therefrom into the main compressor means; and a cooling mode wherein the compressed refrigerant stream from the additional compressor means, or multistage compressor means, is conducted into the air-cooled condenser means, a stream of condensed refrigerant from the air-cooled condenser means is conducted into the first inlet of the additional heat exchange means, a stream of evaporated refrigerant from the evaporator means is conducted into the second inlet of the additional heat exchange means which is then conducted therefrom into the main compressor means.

Control means (e.g., PLC) may used to change the states of the three-way valves and/or of^■ the additional valves to change the state of the system between the operating states and/or between the modes of operations, and to operate the compressing means as needed.

According to another aspect the present invention is directed to a method for cooling a refrigerated space comprising: mixing a stream of evaporated refrigerant with a stream of weak refrigerant solution; producing a reconstituted solution by absorbing portions of the evaporated refrigerant into the stream of weak refrigerant by means of air-cooled absorber means; pumping the reconstituted solution into heater means being in heat exchange relationship with the stream of weak refrigerant solution and conducting the weak refrigerant solution therefrom for use in . the mixing; evaporating refrigerant from a stream of reconstituted solution from the heater means by means of generator means being in heat exchange relationship with a stream of heat transfer fluid or gas; separating a stream from the generator means into the (residual) stream of hot weak refrigerant solution and a main refrigerant vapor stream; condensing the main refrigerant vapor stream by means of air-cooled condenser means; conducting the condensed refrigerant vapor stream from the air-cooled condenser means into cooler means being in heat exchange relationship with a stream of cold evaporated refrigerant and conducting the stream of evaporated refrigerant therefrom for use in the mixing; reducing the pressure of a stream of condensed refrigerant from the cooler means and conducting the same into evaporator means; and evaporating the condensed refrigerant in the evaporator means to form the stream of evaporated refrigerant and to cool the refrigerated space.

The method may further comprise separating a stream of reconstituted solution from the heater means into an additional refrigerant vapor stream and conducting it into the main refrigerant vapor stream, and conducting a remaining (residual) stream of reconstituted solution into the generator means .

The heater means may be split into first and second heat exchange stages: i) a first heat exchange stage used for exchanging heat between the weak refrigerant solution stream and a stream of reconstituted solution from the second heat exchange stage; and ii) a second heat exchange stage to exchange heat between a mixed stream obtained in the mixing and the reconstituted solution stream, wherein the absorbing in the air-cooled absorber means comprise reconstituting a mixed stream obtained from the second stage heat exchange means .

The method may further comprise separating a stream of reconstituted solution from the second heat exchange stage into a further refrigerant vapor stream and conducting it into the main refrigerant vapor stream, and conducting a remaining (residual) stream of reconstituted solution into the first heat exchange stage. The method may further comprise cooling the main refrigerant vapor stream provided to the air-cooled condenser means to a temperature near its saturation temperature.

The method may further comprise reducing the pressure of the stream of weak refrigerant solution provided to the mixing from the first heat exchange stage.

Optionally, the method may further comprise compressing a stream of evaporated refrigerant obtained from the cooler means and using it in the mixing. Optionally, the stream of compressed refrigerant may be conducted into the air-cooled condenser means for condensing.

Alternatively, the stream of compressed refrigerant may be arbitrated between two operation states: i) wherein the stream of compressed refrigerant is used in the mixing; or ii) wherein the stream of compressed refrigerant is used for the condensing. The method may further comprise changing the mode of operation between two states: a heating mode comprising conducting the stream of compressed refrigerant stream into the evaporator means, conducting a stream of evaporated refrigerant from the evaporator means into a first inlet of the cooler means, conducting a stream of condensed refrigerant from the air-cooled condenser means into a second inlet of the cooler means and conducting it therefrom for the compressing; and a cooling mode comprising conducting the compressed refrigerant stream into the air-cooled condenser means, conducting a stream of condensed refrigerant from the air- cooled condenser means into the first inlet of the cooler means, conducting a stream of evaporated refrigerant from the evaporator means into the second inlet of the cooler means and conducting it therefrom for the compressing.

The refrigerant solution may comprise an absorbent material based on one or more of the following phosphates: trimethylphosphate C3H₉P0₄; triethylphosphate C6Hi₅P0₄; tri n- butylphosphate C12H2-7PO4, on a phosphonate material: Dimethylmethylphosphonate C3H9PO3, on one or more of the following Ethylene glycol materials: Ethylene glycol C2H96O2; Dimethylether of tetraethyleneglycol C10H22O5; 1 , 3-propanediol (trimethylene glycol) C₃H₈C>2 , and/or based on one or more N-C=0 bonds selected forms: N,N dimethylacetamid C4H9NO; N-methyl,2- pyrrolidinone (methyl-2-pyrrolidone, -pyrrol) C₅H₉NO; N-methyl; e-caprolactam (hexahydro, 1-methyl , 2H-azepin 2-one) C₇Hi₃NO; 1, 3-dimethyl, 2-imidazolidinone (dimethylethyleneurea) C₅Hi₀N₂O; 1 , 3-dimethyl ,3,4,5, 6-tetrahydro-2-pyrimidinone

(dimethylpropyleneurea) C₆Hi₂N₂0) .

The refrigerant material used may be a type of HFC, HFC refrigerants (R32 - difluoromethane CH₂F₂, R152a - 1,1 difluoroethane CH₃CHF₂, R134a - 1,1,1,2 tetrafluoroethane CH2 FCF3 , R125 - pentafluoroethane CF₃CHF₂, R226ea - 1,1,1,2,3,3 hexafluoropropane CF₃CHFCHF₂, R226fa - 1,1,1,3,3,3 heptafluoropropane CF₃CH₂CF₃, R227ea - 1,1,1,2,3,3,3 heptafluoropropane CF₃CHFCF₃) , R600a (iso-butane (CH₃) ₃CH) , or R630 (monomethylamine CH₃NH₂, - dimethylamine (CH₃) ₂NH) , for example .

Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention is illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which similar references consistently indicate similar elements and in which:

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a TPL single-stage cycle air cooled system according to one preferred embodiment of the invention utilizing a jet ejector mixer and a solution heat exchanger economizer (HS) at the high- pressure regime of the system;

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a TPL single-stage cycle air cooled system according to another preferred embodiment of the invention utilizing a jet ejector mixer, and a split solution heat exchanger economizer having a pre-generator heat exchanger (pG) in the high- pressure regime and a pre-absorber heat exchanger (pA) in the intermediate-pressure regime;

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a TPL single-stage cycle air cooled system according to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention utilizing a compressor, a mixer, a split solution heat exchanger economizer having a pre-generator heat exchanger (pG) in the high-pressure regime and a pre-absorber heat exchanger (pA) in the intermediate-pressure regime;

Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a TPL single-stage cycle air cooled system according to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention utilizing a split solution heat exchanger economizer as in Fig. 3 and an optional secondary compressor;

Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a TPL single-stage cycle air cooled system according to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention utilizing a split solution heat exchanger economizer as in Fig. 3, a compressor, and two additional separator , means;

Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a TPL single-stage cycle air cooled system according to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention utilizing a split solution heat exchanger economizer as in Fig. 5, and a secondary compressor;

Fig. 7A schematically illustrates a TPL single-stage cycle air cooled system according to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention utilizing a split solution heat exchanger economizer, additional separators and secondary compressor as in Fig. 6, with further means enabling it to operate as a heat pump (cooling and heating) ; and Figs. 7B and 7C schematically illustrates the refrigerant sub cycle in the TPL single-stage cycle air cooled system shown in Fig. 7A when operated in "cooling mode" (Fig. 7B) and in "heating mode" (Fig. 7C) .

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

It is noted that the preferred embodiments of the invention described hereinbelow with reference to the figures illustrate by way of example, and not by way of limitation, the principles of the invention. The figures, which are not necessarily in scale, exemplify preferred embodiments of the invention, and by no means limit the invention to the particular elements described.

An aim of the present invention is to facilitate exploitation of alternative or renewable heat sources at relatively low temperatures, preferably up to 130°C for cooling and refrigeration by means of single-stage triple pressure level (TPL) absorption, which may be operated without a cooling tower. The TPL absorption unit of the invention may be adapted to operate an air conditioning system employing a heat source such as solar energy.

Among various heat sources, the range of low grade temperature sources (e.g., providing temperatures in the range of 80 to 130 °C) such as solar energy, waste heat energy, and the like, is an important and difficult range for utilization and recovery. The utilization of such low grade heat sources is particularly desirous since it leads to elimination of greenhouse and air polluted gases and utilization of environmentally safe energy sources.

In preliminary studies carried out by the inventors, thermophysical and transport properties of various environmentally acceptable refrigerants (HFC) with different organic absorbents were examined and a thorough performance analysis of TPL cycles has been performed, in order to evaluate the potential performance of the cycle with these working fluids (possible refrigerant and absorbent materials indicated hereinbelow) .

An important objective of the present invention, inter alia, is utilizing renewable energy for cooling without utilizing a cooling tower. The significance of this work lies in the potential to provide air conditioning (heating and cooling) and refrigeration by utilizing low grade heat sources, mainly solar radiation and waste heat energy.

Triple pressure level single stage absorption cycle

In Fig. 1 there is shown a basic TPL system 10s according to one preferred embodiment of the invention, utilizing jet ejector mixer JM and a solution heat exchanger SO (HS) mounted between generator SI and air-cooled absorber S2. Heat exchanger unit SO functions as an economizer by transferring heat from the hot weak solution leaving generator SI through separator S5 (passed via pipelines 1 and 3) to the cold reconstituted solution pumped by pump S6 (via pipelines 8, 10 and 14) towards generator unit SI. The rich solution is heated in the generator unit SI by means of a heat transfer gas or fluid conducted thereinto via inlet Sli or any other form of heat supplied, and having temperatures generally in the range of 90 to 140 °C, preferably about 120 °C.

The rich solution is separated in separator unit S5 into: i) a stream of refrigerant conducted through pipeline 21 to air-cooled condenser unit Rl; and ii) a weak solution stream conducted through pipeline 1 to heat exchanger SO. The weak solution leaving heat exchanger SO is conducted through pipeline 3 into jet ejector mixer JM wherein it is mixed with the refrigerant conducted into jet ejector mixer JM through pipeline 28. The mixed solution and refrigerant vapor are conducted through pipeline 5 into air-cooled absorber unit S2 wherein it is cooled (e.g., to about 30 - 50 °C) to produce the rich (reconstructed) solution conducted to pump S6 through pipeline 8.

The stream of refrigerant is condensed in air-cooled condenser unit Rl (e.g., to about 30 - 50 °C) from which it is conducted thorough pipeline 24 into refrigerant heat exchanger R3 and therefrom through pipeline 25 and expansion valve R5 into evaporator R2. The evaporated refrigerant is conducted through pipeline 27 into refrigerant heat exchanger R3 and therefrom through pipeline 28 into jet ejector mixer JM.

The pressure regimes in system 10s may be defined as follows: High-pressure regime in the strong solution path from pump S6 through pipeline 10, economizer heat exchanger SO, pipeline 14 and generator SI as it passed into separator unit S5, and therefrom in the weak solution path exiting separator unit S5, passing through pipeline 1 into economizer heat exchanger SO and therefrom through pipeline 3 to jet ejector mixer JM and in the refrigerant path from separator unit S5 through pipeline 21, air cooled condenser Rl, pipeline 24, refrigerant heat exchanger R3 and pipeline 25 to expansion valve R5; intermediate-pressure regime in the mixed solution and refrigerant vapor path exiting jet ejector mixer JM outlet through pipeline 5, air cooled absorber S2, and pipeline 8 into pump S6; and low-pressure regime in the refrigerant path from expansion valve R5 through pipeline 26, evaporator unit R2, pipeline 27, refrigerant heat exchanger R3 and pipeline 28 into jet ejector mixer JM. A pre-cooler unit 22 may be provided in air-cooled condenser Rl for cooling the hot refrigerant gas supplied through pipeline 21 to a temperature near to its saturation temperature. Pre-cooler unit 22 may be integrated into air- cooled condenser unit Rl, or alternatively, it may be provided as a separate unit adapted to receive and cool the hot refrigerant gas supplied through pipeline 21, and conduct it therefrom into air-cooled condenser unit Rl .

Fig. 2 exemplifies an embodiment of another TPL system lis according to another preferred embodiment of the invention wherein the economizer heat exchanger (SO in Fig. 1) is split into two separate heat exchange stages (also referred to herein as split economizer) : pre-generator heat exchanger S4 (pG) at the high-pressure side receiving weak solution leaving separator S5 through pipeline 1 wherefrom it is passed through pipeline 3a to jet ejector mixer J ; and pre-absorber heat exchanger S3 (pA) in the intermediate-pressure side receiving mixed solution leaving jet ejector mixer JM through pipeline 5a toward air cooled absorber S2 through pipeline 7.

The pressurized strong solution produced by pump S6 is conducted through pipeline 10 into pre-absorber heat exchanger

53, and through pipeline 12 into pre-generator heat exchanger

54, wherefrom it is conducted through pipeline 14 into generator SI. Splitting the economizer heat exchanger (SO in Fig. 1) in this way allows conveying heat from the hot solution leaving jet ejector mixer JM in the intermediate- pressure path of system lis to the reconstituted solution pumped by pump S6 from absorber S2 and through pipeline 8 into the high-pressure part of system lis.

The pressure recovery by jet ejector mixer JM is typically limited by the flow conditions and can be substantially improved by replacing jet ejector mixer JM with a common compressor (R4) and/or pressure reducer means (S7) and a mixer unit (S8) as exemplified in TPL system 12s shown in Fig. 3. In this preferred embodiment the evaporated refrigerant passed through refrigerant heat exchanger R3 is conducted through pipeline 28a to compressor R4, wherein it is compressed and flown through pipeline 29 to mixer unit S8. Replacing jet ejector mixer JM with compressor R4, pressure reducer means (S7) and mixer unit S8 in such way enables increasing the pressure in the intermediate-pressure regime (defined by pipelines 29, 4, 5a, 7 and 8) to a higher controlled pressure, and thereby to improve the cycle performances, namely, increasing the COP (coefficient of performance) and decreasing the circulation ratio (mass flow rates of the strong solution to the refrigerant) .

In the TPL systems lis and 12s using a split economizer configuration, shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the release of refrigerant vapor from the strong solution flown through generator SI is commenced in the pre-absorber heat exchanger S3 (pA) continuing in pre-generator heat exchanger S4 (pG) and completed in generator SI. During this process the released refrigerant vapor is also heated as it is passed through pre- generator heat exchanger S4 (pG) and generator SI. Thereafter, the separated refrigerant is cooled at condenser unit Rl, preferably at the entrance of condenser unit Rl by means pre- cooler unit 22. As explained hereinabove, system 12s in Fig. 3 is similar to system lis in Fig. 2, and utilizes similar elements but employs compressor unit R4, pressure reducer S7, and a simpler mixer unit S8 instead of jet ejector mixer (JM) , and thus it will not be described herein in details for the sake of brevity.

Another preferred embodiment of the invention utilizing the split economizer configuration is exemplified in Fig. 4, showing a TPL single-stage absorption system 13s similar to system 12s shown in Fig. 3, but which employs an (optional) additional compressor unit R6. TPL system 13s comprises the following parts: in the solution sub cycle (S) ; generator Si, air cooled absorber S2, pre-absorber heat exchanger S3, pre- generator heat exchanger S4, separator S5, solution pump S6, solution pressure reducer S7 (e.g., throttling valve) and mixer unit S8, in the refrigerant sub cycle (R) ; air cooled condenser Rl, evaporator R2, optional refrigerant heat exchanger R3, main compressor R4, expansion valve R5, optional secondary compressor R6, and two separation valves, V21 and V29.

In this preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 4 rich solution flown through the air cooled absorber outlet 8 is pumped from air-cooled absorber S2 into the high-pressure part (defined by pipelines 10, 12 and 14) toward the generator SI by pump S6 (thorough pipelines 8 and 10) and preheated in the pre-absorber solution heat exchanger S3 by the hot mixed stream coming from the mixer S8 toward absorber S2 (through pipelines 5a and 7), and in the pre-generator heat exchanger S4 by the hot weak solution flown from generator SI toward mixer S8 (through pipelines 1, 3a and 4) . At generator SI heat is added from available heat source (e.g., solar-heated water, geothermal-heated water, power plant exhaust heat, or any other form of available heat supply) introduced thereinto via heat source inlet Sli, releasing at separator S5 part of the refrigerant that is flown through pipeline 21 to the refrigerant sub-cycle. The weak solution leaves the pre- generator heat exchanger S4 through pipeline 3a and therefrom flown through a pressure reducing device S7 and pipeline 4 into mixer S8, wherein it is mixed with the refrigerant vapors flown from the evaporator R2 through pipeline 27, refrigerant heat exchanger R3 and compressor R4 which increases the pressure of the evaporated refrigerant flown through pipeline 29. The mixed solution and refrigerant vapor flown from mixer unit S8 enters the pre-absorber heat exchanger S3 through pipeline 5a, wherein part of the refrigerant is absorbed by the weak solution which is then passed through pipeline 7 into absorber S2, wherein the rest of the refrigerant is absorbed during the cooling process, which completes the solution sub- cycle S.

From separator S5 the released refrigerant vapor passed through pipeline 21 flows into the air cooled condenser Rl, wherein it condenses. The liquefied refrigerant leaving condenser Rl through pipeline 24 flows through the refrigerant heat exchanger R3, wherein it is cooled by the cold refrigerant vapor leaving evaporator R2 through pipeline 27, and therefrom it is passed through pipeline 25 to expansion valve R5 and therefrom through pipeline 26 into evaporator R2. The refrigerant vapors obtained in evaporator R2 are flown through pipeline 27 to refrigerant heat exchanger R3, and therefrom through pipeline 28a to compressor R4 which increases the pressure of the evaporated refrigerant to the intermediate elevated pressure. The compressed evaporated refrigerant produced by compressor R4 is flown through pipeline 29 toward mixer S8, which completes the refrigerant sub-cycle R.

Generator SI, pre-absorber heat exchanger S3, pre- generator heat exchanger S4, and optional refrigerant heat exchanger R3, may be implemented by means of conventional heat exchangers, such as but not limited to shell and tube types. Absorber S2, condenser Rl, and evaporator R2 are preferably implemented by means of air-cooled units, such as but not limited to the types of air-cooled units used in standard air- conditioning heat exchangers. Separator S5 may be implemented by a type of cyclone, or any other such separator means. Solution pump S6 may be implemented by a type of multistage centrifugal, positive displacement, for example, or by another type of pump. Solution pressure reducer S7 may be implemented by a type of pressure regulator, orifice, for example, or by another suitable type of pressure regulation means. Mixer S8 may be implemented by a type of spray nozzle, for example. Compressors R4 and R6 are preferably a type of screw, reciprocate, for example, or another suitable type of compressing means. Expansion valve R5 may be implemented by a type of thermostatic expansion valve, capillary tubes or other type. Separation valves, V21 and V29 are preferably implemented by a type of controllable three-way valve or by any other suitable controllable valve type. Pre-cooler unit 22 is preferably, but not necessarily, a part of the entrance of condenser Rl .

The absorbent used may be based on phosphate ( trimethylphosphate C3H9PO4 , triethylphosphate C6H15PO4 , tri n- butylphosphate C12H27PO4, and others), on phosphonate ( Dimethylmethylphosphonate C3H9 PO3 , and others), on Ethylene glycol (Ethylene glycol C2H96O2, Dimethylether of tetraethyleneglycol C10H22O5, 1 , 3-propanediol (trimethylene glycol) C₃H₈0₂, and others), or on N-C=0 bonds (N,N dimethylacetamid C4H9NO, N-methyl, 2-pyrrolidinone (methyl-2- pyrrolidone, M-pyrrol ) C₅H₉NO, N-methyl, e-caprolactam

(hexahydro, 1-methyl, 2H-azepin 2-one) C₇Hi3NO, 1 , 3-dimethyl , 2- imidazolidinone (dimethylethyleneurea) C₅HioN₂0, 1,3- dimethyl, 3,4,5, 6-tetrahydro-2-pyrimidinone

(dimethylpropyleneurea ) C₆Hi2N20) , for example, though other suitable absorbents may be similarly employed.

The refrigerant used may be a type of HFC, HFC refrigerants (R32 - difluoromethane CH₂F₂, R152a - 1,1 difluoroethane CH₃CHF₂, Rl34a - 1,1,1,2 tetrafluoroethane CH₂FCF₃, R125 - pentafluoroethane CF₃CHF₂, R226ea - 1,1,1,2,3,3 hexafluoropropane CF₃CHFCHF₂, R226fa - 1,1,1,3,3,3 heptafluoropropane CF₃CH₂CF₃, R227ea - 1,1,1,2,3,3,3 heptafluoropropane CF₃CHFCF₃) , R600a (iso-butane (CH₃) ₃CH) , or R630 (monomethylamine CH₃NH₂, - dimethylamine (CH₃) ₂NH) , for example, though other suitable refrigerants may be similarly employed.

All of the abovementioned parameters are given by way of example only, and may be changed in accordance with the differing requirements of the various embodiments of the present invention. Thus, the abovementioned parameters should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention in any way.

It is noted that in case the heat is not capable of supplying (via inlet Sli or any other form of heat supplied) the amount of heat required for the operation of generator SI, the preferred embodiments of the invention may be modified for introducing an auxiliary heat source supply by heaters (not shown) , such as for example, electrical heater, gas heater, heat storage, or any other such heat source.

Whenever the low energy heat source provided via heat input Sli (or any other form of heat supplied) is not available (e.g., if implemented by an intermittent heat source such as solar heat), a vapor compression cycle with similar cooling capacity can be operated by activating the secondary compressor R6 that is utilized for increasing the refrigerant pressure from the intermediate-pressure to the condenser pressure (in pipeline 30) . In this case, the solution sub cycle S is separated from the refrigerant sub cycle R by valves V21 and V29 by changing them into state '2'. It is noted that this separated refrigerant cycle can also be operated as a heat pump.

The serially connected compressors, R4 and R6, can be replaced by any suitable compressor (or set of compressors) which output pressure can be controlled (i.e. frequency control means) .

As exemplified in system 14s shown in Fig. 5, illustrating a yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, similar to system 12s in Fig. 3, in which separator S12 is added at the outlet of pre-absorber heat exchanger S3, and another separator S14 is added at the outlet of pre- generator heat exchanger S4, in order to partially overcome the heating of the refrigerant vapors in the high-pressure part .

In this preferred embodiment the reconstituted solution flown from pre-absorber heat exchanger S3 through pipeline 12t is supplied to pre-generator heat exchanger S4 through pipeline 12a after passing through separator S12 which streams portions of the refrigerant vapor separated by it to pipeline 21 through pipeline 12g. Similarly, the reconstituted solution flown from pre-generator heat exchanger S4 through pipeline 14t is supplied to generator SI through pipeline 14s after passing through separator S14, which streams portions of the refrigerant vapors separated by it to pipeline 21 through pipeline 14g. As in the previously described embodiments, the reconstituted solution flown from generator SI is provided to separator S5 via pipeline 1, and the separated refrigerant vapor is flown to pipeline 21 through pipeline lg. In this way the pre-generator heat exchanger S4 (pG) and the generator SI are receiving mainly liquid solution at their inlets and consequently less heat has to be supplied to these units. As a consequence, the required components sizes are reduced, less heat has to be supplied to the generator and the COP is increased. The refrigerant vapors from separators S12 and S14 are mixed with the refrigerant vapor from the generator separator S5 and flow toward condenser Rl through pipeline 21.

The main driving force of the absorption systems of the invention is the heat supplied to generator SI (via inlet Sli) . If this heat energy is obtained from a solar energy source the functionality of the system depends on the availability of the heat source. That dependency can be resolved by adding a heat storage unit (not shown) or by utilizing the semi-compression cycle in the system between pipelines 21 and 29, by adding a second compressor R6 and two valves, V21 and V29, installed in pipelines 21 and 29 respectively, in order to complete a compression cycle, as shown in the preferred embodiments of Figs. 4 and 6.

With reference to Fig. 6, in this preferred embodiment at normal operating conditions valves V21 and V29 are in state '1' in order to enable the refrigerant vapor from the separators S5, S12 and S14 flown through pipeline 21 to flow toward condenser Rl and from compressor R4 through pipeline 29 toward mixer S8. When the solar energy cannot supply sufficient heat, valves V21 and V29 are turned to state '2', disconnecting the absorption sub cycle (S) and connecting secondary compressor R6 to the compressor R4 in series in order to complete a compression cycle with the same evaporator capacity. This is an on-off arrangement.

For example, when the solar energy source can supply only part of the necessary heat to generator SI, the heat source temperature can be kept stable by lowering the flow rate; as a result there will be a reduction in the amount of refrigerant vapor released in generator SI. To keep the amount of refrigerant vapor streamed toward condenser Rl stable, replacing valves V21 and V29 to controllable valves is advantageous. By that replacement, continuous operation of the secondary compressor R6 is employed in order to add the completion amount of refrigerant vapor to be mixed with the refrigerant vapor coming from generator SI. In this way the two sub cycles (S and R) can operate continuously to maintain constant evaporator capacity. Whenever the solar energy is not sufficient, valves V21 and V29 will be turned to state '2' and the cycle will operate as a compression cycle.

When the heat supply is not available and the cycle turned to operate as a compression cycle (state '2' - the absorption sub cycle S is disconnected) , and yet there is heating demands, the cycle described with reference to Fig. 6 can be modified to operate as a heat pump, as exemplified in Figs. 7A-7C, by adding valves V24, V26 and V27 to the compression sub cycle (R) and additional ductwork to enable the cycle to operate in two modes: i) cooling, also illustrated in Fig. 7B; or ii) heating, also illustrated in Fig. 7C.

Valve V26 is installed in both pipelines 21 and 26 and adapted to arbitrate the flow through these pipelines between two states: '1' (illustrated in Fig. 7B) - refrigerant flown through pipeline 21 is conducted through pipeline 21a to air- cooled condenser unit Rl, and the refrigerant flown through pipeline 26 is conducted through pipeline 26a to evaporator R2; and '2' (illustrated in Fig. 7C) - wherein refrigerant flow through pipeline 21 is conducted through pipeline 26a to evaporator R2, and the refrigerant flown through pipeline 26 is conducted through pipeline 21a to air-cooled condenser unit Rl.

Valves V24 and V27 are installed in both pipelines 24 and 27 and adapted to arbitrate the flow through these pipelines between two states: '1' (illustrated in Fig. 7B) - refrigerant flown through pipeline 24 is conducted through pipeline 24a to first inlet il of refrigerant heat exchanger R3, and the refrigerant flown through pipeline 27 is conducted through pipeline 27a to second inlet i2 of refrigerant heat exchanger R3; and '2' (illustrated in Fig. 7C) - wherein refrigerant flow through pipeline 24 is conducted through pipelines 24b and 27a to second inlet i2 of refrigerant heat exchanger R3, and the refrigerant flown through pipeline 27 is conducted through pipelines 27b and 24a to first inlet il of refrigerant heat exchanger R3.

In this way, whenever valves V24, V26 and V27 are set into state '1' (i.e., compressed refrigerant is flown from compressors R4 and R6 to air-cooled condenser unit Rl and therefrom through refrigerant heat exchanger R3 to evaporator R2) the compression sub cycle R is operated in the cooling mode (Fig. 7B) , and whenever valves V24, V26 and V27 are set into state '2' (i.e., compressed refrigerant is flown from compressors R4 and R6 to evaporator R2 and therefrom through refrigerant heat exchanger R3 to air-cooled condenser unit Rl) the compression sub cycle R is operated in the heating mode (Fig. 7C) .

Valves V24, V26 and V27, may be implemented by means of any suitable types of electronically controllable valves, or by means of an arrangement of controllable two-way and three- way valves. Control means (not shown - e.g., control logic, programmable logic controller - PLC, microcontroller, MCU, or the like) may be used to change the states of the controllable valves in the preferred embodiments of the invention described hereinabove, arbitrate the refrigerant streams and operate the compressor means as needed, which is within the skills of those versed in the art. As exemplified in Fig. 7C, when system 14s is operated in the heating mode, functionality of condenser Rl is performed by evaporator R2 and therefore pre- cooler unit 22' may optionally be used separately, or as a part of, evaporator R2 unit.

Advantageously, the present invention provides triple pressure absorption systems designs that use environmentally acceptable working refrigerants and absorbents fluids and utilize low energy heat sources. The expected COP (coefficient of performance) in preferred embodiments of the invention is about 0.7-1.3 (depends on operating conditions and the working fluids) . By advanced control system the COP can be as high as the COP of compression cycle at the same condenser and evaporator conditions. As can be seen in example 2 the COP of the compression cycle alone is about 4.1.

EXAMPLE 1

Table 1 provides expected temperature and pressure ranges in various components of the TPL single-stage cycle air-cooled system operating with R134a of the invention illustrated in Fig. 7A, as obtained in a computerized simulation. It is noted that features of the components in the system depend on the working fluids. In this example the presented data are for the R134a-DMETEG solution.

Table 1

* Construction material: Brass, steel, stainless steel, etc. Sealing materials: depends on the working fluids properties,

** The pressure ranges which presented in this table are functions of the refrigerant. In this table the presented values are for the refrigerant R134a.

EXAMPLE 2

The calculated results of a triple pressure level cycle system (TCa-S-C, shown in Fig. 7A) with R134a-DMETEG solution operating under the following conditions: Generator 110°C, air cooled condenser and absorber 50°C and evaporator 0°C, are summarized in the table 2.

It is noted that inline the pressure drops are negligible. In this example: Pressures [bar] - high = 13.17 , intermediate low= 2.93

COP=1.055 , circulation ratio=2.072 kW/TR of the absorption cycle = 0.658 and

compression cycle = 0.860

Table 2

* TCa-S-C * Absorptin/Compression Cycle with R134a - DMETEG

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Solution-> t °C P bar z i Refrigerant-> t °C P bar j

10. Pump 50 16 13 .17 0 5977 119 06

12s pAs 69 47 13 .17 0 5160 129 86 => 12r pAs 67 .36 13 .17 158. 79

14s pGs 81 26 13 .17 0 3868 138 06 <=> 14r pGs 74 .43 13 .17 160. 56

Is. Gen 110 00 13 .17 0 2224 157 23 <=> ig Gen 91 .68 13 .17 164. 92

3.. pGp 74 47 13 .17 0 2224 136 44 21. vap 76 .96 13 .17 161. 19

3e. EQp 90 45 9 .43 0 2224 145 67 22. Def 50 .00 13 .17 154. 41

23. Con 50 .00 13 .17 117. 71

25. HR1 30 .95 13 .17 110. 49

^'26. Evpi 0 .00 2 .93 110. 49

27. Evpo 0 .00 2 .93 147. 72

28. HRg 35 .00 2 .93 154. 93

4.. BP. 74 47 9 .43 0 2224 136 44 <= 29. Comp 74 .36 9 .43 161. 79

5s. Mix 78 93 9 .43 0 2827 138 11 <=> 5r. Mix 75 .93 9 .43 162. 17

7s. pAp 58 75 9 .43 0 4631 124 61 <=> 7r. pAp 58 .75 9 .43 158. 06

8.. A s 50 .00 9 .43 0 5977 118 98

** Heat input/output in Kcal/hr for 1 kg/hr refrigerant **

Qgen = 28.265 , QpG = 22.278 , QpA = 32.498 , Qabs= 29.028

Qdef = 6.781 , Qcon = 36.698 , Qhr = 7.219 , Qevp= 37.221

, Wcomp= 6.853 , Wp = 0.170 , Xevp= 0.220

Sol. [kg/hr] Ref .

Flow rates Abs : 2.0716 0.0000 ( 0. .00% generated) ]

pAs : 1.7217 0.3500 ( 35. .00% generated) ]

pGs : 1.3590 0.3627 ( 36. .27% generated) ]

Gen: 1.0716 0.2874 ( 28. .74% generated) ]

Mix : 1.1618 0.9098 ( 9, .02% absorbed) ] pAlp: 1.5521 0.5195 ( 48, .05% absorbed) ]

COP-absorption = 1.055 , dPcompl = 6.50, kW/TR =0.658

Comp-2 , T30=88.5C, Wcomp2= 2.319kcal/hr

COP (compl+comp2) =4.1 , dPcomp2 = 3.74, kWC/TR=0.860

Each point along the cycle is defined by the temperature [°C] , pressure [bars], weight fraction (for the solution) and enthalpies i, j [kcal/kg] .

Each component is defined by the heat transfer [kcal/hr] and the mass flow rate [kg/hr].

The above examples and description have of course been provided only for the purpose of illustration, and are not intended to limit the invention in any way. As will be appreciated by the skilled person, the invention can be carried out in a great variety of ways, employing more than one technique from those described above, all without exceeding the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An air-cooled absorption refrigerating system comprising: generator means in heat exchange relationship with a stream of heat transfer fluid or gas, separator means adapted to separate a stream from said generator means into a weak refrigerant solution stream and a main refrigerant vapor stream, air-cooled condenser means to condense said refrigerant vapor stream, an expansion valve to reduce the pressure of a condensed refrigerant stream from said air- cooled condenser means, evaporator means to form said evaporated refrigerant stream from a stream from said expansion valve and to cool a surrounding material, a heat exchanger means to exchange heat between said weak refrigerant solution stream and a high-pressure rich refrigerant solution stream, mixer means to produce a mixed stream from a stream of evaporated refrigerant from said evaporator means and from a stream of weak solution from said heat exchanger means, air- cooled absorber means to reconstitute said mixed stream, and pump means to produce said high-pressure rich refrigerant solution stream from a stream from said air-cooled absorber means .

2. A system according to claim 1 further comprising an additional heat exchanger means adapted to exchange heat between a stream from the air-cooled condenser means and an evaporated refrigerant stream from the evaporator means.

3. A system according to claim 1 or 2 wherein stream of heat transfer fluid or gas is supplied from a type of low grade heat source.

4. A system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, further comprising separator means to separate a stream of rich refrigerant solution from the heat exchanger means into an additional refrigerant vapor stream, introduced into the main refrigerant vapor stream, and a solution, introduced into the generator means.

5. A system according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the heat exchanger means is split into first and second heat exchange stages: i) a first heat exchange stage to exchange heat between the weak refrigerant solution stream and a stream of high-pressure rich solution from said second heat exchange stage; and ii) a second heat exchange stage to exchange heat between a mixed stream from the mixer means and the high- pressure rich solution stream, wherein the air-cooled absorber means is adapted to reconstitute a mixed stream obtained from said second stage heat exchange means.

6. A system according to claim 5 further comprising separator means to separate a stream of rich refrigerant solution from the second stage heat exchange means into a further refrigerant vapor stream, introduced into the main refrigerant vapor stream, and a refrigerant solution, introduced into the first stage heat exchange means .

7. A system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 further comprising pre-cooler means to cool the main refrigerant vapor stream provided to the air-cooled condenser means to a temperature near its saturation temperature.

8. A system according to claim 6 wherein the mixer means is a type of jet ejector mixer.

9. A system according to claim 6 further comprising pressure reducer means adapted to reduce the pressure of the stream of weak refrigerant solution provided to the mixer device from the first heat exchange stage.

10. A system according to claim 9, further comprising main compressor means to compress a stream of evaporated refrigerant obtained from the additional heat exchanger means and introduce the same into the mixer means.

11. A system according to claim 10, further comprising additional compressor means, or multistage compressor means, adapted to compress a stream of compressed refrigerant from the main compressor means and introduce the same into the air- cooled condenser means.

12. A system according to claim 11, further comprising two three-way valves adapted to change said system between two operating states: i) wherein a stream of compressed vapors from the main compressor means is directed into the mixer means and the main stream of refrigerant vapor is directed into the air-cooled condenser means; and ii) wherein a stream of compressed evaporator from the main compressor means is directed into the additional compressor means, a stream of compressed refrigerant from said additional compressor means is directed into the air-cooled condenser means, and the main stream of refrigerant vapor is precluded from reaching the air-cooled condenser means.

13. A system according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising additional valves and conduits adapted to change the mode of operation of said system between two states: a heating mode wherein the compressed refrigerant stream from the additional compressor means, or multistage compressor means, is conducted into the evaporator means, a stream of evaporated refrigerant from said evaporator means is conducted into a first inlet of the additional heat exchange means receives, a stream of condensed refrigerant from the air- cooled condenser means is conducted into a second inlet of said additional heat exchange means which is then conducted therefrom into the main compressor means; and a cooling mode wherein the compressed refrigerant stream from the additional compressor means, or multistage compressor means, is conducted into the air-cooled condenser means, a stream of condensed refrigerant from the air-cooled condenser means is conducted into said first inlet of said additional heat exchange means, a stream of evaporated refrigerant from said evaporator means is conducted into said second inlet of the additional heat exchange means which is then conducted therefrom into the main compressor means.

14. A system according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising control means adapted to change the states of the three-way valves and/or of . the additional valves to, and operate the compressor means to change the state of said system between the operating states and/or the modes of operations .

15. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein the refrigerant solution comprises an absorbent material based on one or more of the following phosphates: trimethylphosphate C₃H₉P0₄; triethylphosphate C₆Hi₅P0₄ tri n- butylphosphate C12H27PO4, on a phosphonate Dimethylmethylphosphonate C3H9PO3, based on one or more of the following Ethylene glycol materials: Ethylene glycol C2H96O2; Dimethylether of tetraethyleneglycol C10H22O5; 1 , 3-propanediol

( trimethylene glycol) C₃H₈0₂, and/or based on one or more N-C=0 bonds selected forms: N,N dimethylacetamid C₄H₉NO; N-methyl , 2- pyrrolidinone (methyl-2-pyrrolidone, M-pyrrol) C5H9NO; N-methyl; e-caprolactam (hexahydro, 1-methyl, 2H-azepin 2-one) C7H13NO; 1, 3-dimethyl, 2-imidazolidinone (dimethylethyleneurea) C5H10N2O; 1, 3-dimethyl, 3,4,5, 6-tetrahydro-2-pyrimidinone

(dimethylpropyleneurea ) C₆Hi2 ₂0) .

16. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein the refrigerant material is selected from the group comprising: HFC, HFC refrigerants (R32 - difluoromethane CH₂F₂, R152a - 1,1 difluoroethane CH₃CHF₂, Rl34a - 1,1,1,2 tetrafluoroethane CH₂FCF₃, R125 - pentafluoroethane CF₃CHF₂, R226ea - 1,1,1,2,3,3 hexafluoropropane CF₃CHFCHF₂, R226fa - 1,1,1,3,3,3 heptafluoropropane CF₃CH₂CF₃, R227ea 1,1,1,2,3,3,3 heptafluoropropane CF₃CHFCF₃) , R600a (iso-butane (CH₃) ₃CH) , or R630 (monomethylamine CH₃NH₂, dimethylamine (CH₃) ₂NH) .

17. A method for cooling a refrigerated space comprising: mixing a stream of evaporated refrigerant with a stream of weak refrigerant solution;

producing a reconstituted solution by absorbing portions of said evaporated refrigerant into said stream of weak refrigerant by means of air-cooled absorber means;

pumping said reconstituted solution into heater means being in heat exchange relationship with a stream of hot weak refrigerant solution and conducting said weak refrigerant solution therefrom for use in said mixing;

evaporating refrigerant from a stream of reconstituted solution from said heater means by means of generator means being in heat exchange relationship with a stream of heat transfer fluid or gas;

separating a stream from said generator means into said stream of hot weak refrigerant solution and a main refrigerant vapor stream;

condensing said main refrigerant vapor stream by means of air-cooled condenser means;

reducing the pressure of a stream of condensed refrigerant vapor from said air-cooled condenser means and conducting the same into evaporator means; and

evaporating said condensed refrigerant in said evaporator means to form said stream of evaporated refrigerant and conducting said stream of evaporated refrigerant therefrom for use in said mixing.

18. A method according to claim 17 further comprising cooling the condensed refrigerant vapor stream from the air- cooled condenser means by means of cooler means being in heat exchange relationship with the stream of evaporated refrigerant, and conducting said stream of evaporated refrigerant therefrom for use in said mixing;

19. A method according to claim 17 or 18 wherein the stream of heat transfer fluid or gas is supplied from a type of low grade heat source.

20. A method according to claim 17, 18 or 19 further comprising separating a stream of reconstituted solution obtained from the heater means into an additional refrigerant vapor stream and conducting it into the main refrigerant vapor stream, and conducting a remaining stream of reconstituted solution into the generator means.

21. A method according to any one of claims 17 to 20 wherein the heater means is split into first and second heat exchange stages: i) a first heat exchange stage used for exchanging heat between the hot weak refrigerant solution stream and a stream of reconstituted solution from said second heat exchange stage; and ii) a second heat exchange stage to exchange heat between a mixed stream obtained in the mixing and the reconstituted solution stream, wherein the absorbing in the air-cooled absorber means comprise reconstituting a mixed stream obtained from said second stage heat exchange means .

22. A method according to claim 21 further comprising separating a stream of reconstituted solution from the second heat exchange stage into a further refrigerant vapor stream and conducting it into the main refrigerant vapor stream, and conducting a remaining stream of reconstituted solution into the first heat exchange stage.

23. A method according to claim to any one of claims 17 to 22, further comprising cooling the main refrigerant vapor stream provided to the air-cooled condenser means to a temperature near its saturation temperature.

24. A method according to claim 21 further comprising reducing the pressure of the stream of weak refrigerant solution provided to the mixing from the first heat exchange stage .

25. A method according to claim 24 further comprising compressing a stream of evaporated refrigerant obtained from the first heat exchanger stage and using it in the mixing.

26. A method according to claim 25 further comprising conducting the stream of compressed refrigerant into the air- cooled condenser means for condensing.

27. A method for cooling a refrigerated space having a stream of compressed refrigerant comprising arbitrating said stream of compressed refrigerant between two operation states: i) wherein said stream of compressed refrigerant is used in the mixing according to claim 25; or ii) wherein said stream of compressed refrigerant is used for the condensing according to claim 26.

28. A method according to claim 27 further comprising changing the mode of operation between two states: a heating mode comprising conducting the stream of compressed refrigerant stream into the evaporator means, conducting a stream of evaporated refrigerant from said evaporator means into a first inlet of the cooler means, conducting a stream of condensed refrigerant from the air-cooled condenser means into a second inlet of said cooler means and conducting it therefrom for the compressing; and a cooling mode comprising conducting the compressed refrigerant stream into the air- cooled condenser means, conducting a stream of condensed refrigerant from the air-cooled condenser means into said first inlet of said cooler means, conducting a stream of evaporated refrigerant from said evaporator means into said second inlet of the cooler means and conducting it therefrom for the compressing.